Vaping and Driving in Washington: Is It Illegal? Vaping behind the wheel is commonly allowed in Washington State, but as usual, there are rules and regulations applicable in specific situations, especially those in which there are concerns about safety, the likelihood of driving distracted, and incidents when minors are on board.
The laws of Washington state regarding vaping and driving are discussed below.
Washington’s Vaping Laws
It is not illegal in Washington State to vape behind the wheel of a car. In fact, smoking tobacco in some states is more strictly proscribed than vaping behind the wheel of a car is not.
But Washington law regulates the sale, distribution, and ownership of vaping devices and e-liquids, mainly for keeping minors from accessing them. Vaping is also prohibited in some public areas, such as school yards and hospitals, and local regulations may impose even more restrictions.
Vaping and Distracted Driving
Vaping behind the wheel is legal in Washington, but it is likely to increase the propensity for distraction of operators while driving.
The Washington Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act prohibits people from doing things that may distract the driver and prevent the driver from driving safely.
Vaping or even holding a vape can be distracting and limit one’s ability to drive safely. If unsafe behavior or an accident occurs from this distraction, drivers may face legislation over acts of distracted driving.
Remember to note that any device used when driving will not only hinder you but also lead to accidents. This includes using a phone, vape, or other electronics.
If the cops find you vaping while you’re distracted, they may pull you over because you are endangering others’ safety.
Vaping with Minors in the Vehicle
The state of Washington has some serious regulations about smoking in a car when there are minors. In some areas, rules extend to vaping as well. For example, smoking in a car where there are people under 18 years is illegal in some towns because the smoke can reach them.
Compared to tobacco smoke, secondhand vapor contains fewer chemicals; however, this does not necessarily mean it is safe for your health, especially when involving children and teenagers.
Drivers in Washington should not vape within cars where minors are present. Driving and vaping go hand-in-hand with the consequences of these actions, since county and city laws may vary
Vaping and Driving Consequences
Even though vaping and driving is not always illegal, some vaping-related behaviors can put you in a tough spot. Under Washington’s laws, a driver may get ticketed or fined if they become distracted, like when they change the vape settings or take a long drag on their vape.
If you are distracted while vaping and have an accident, you could receive higher fines, greater insurance rates, or even have your license taken away.
Responsible Vaping While Driving
Vapers who drive in Washington should place safety as a top priority if they want to stay safe and avoid breaking the law.
The best practices are to use the vape device to the minimum extent possible, avoid doing something like filling the e-liquid while driving, and ensure the car has enough air flow to avoid problems with visibility.
Safe drivers with safety in mind are less likely to get distracted. Ultimately, they tend to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Conclusion
In Washington, it is generally safe to vape in a car, but the laws against distracted driving and local regulations around children in vehicles complicate things. Drivers should easily work their way around those laws by being informed and putting safety first.
